Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
LOOKING BACK
Feature
August 30, 2023
LOOKING BACK

August 30, 1973 – After only about a half-hour informal meeting at Ridgway Wednesday night this week, the Ouray and Ridgway school boards agreed on details having to do with students who wish to transfer from either district. Bus routes were discussed. It was agreed that neither school will provide transportation for students outside of their own district.

Any student wishing to cross district lines to come into the other school will be accepted, but must find their own transportation to the school or to the district line where the school’s bus will pick them up.

Ouray Superintendent Dan Kerr will draw up an agreement incorporating the verbal agreements for formal approval by both boards.

40 YEARS AGO

September 1, 1983 – Tom Hash and Harold E. Hartley, both of Ouray County, were bound over to the District Court in Montrose for arraignment September 16 on a charge of criminal attempt, a class 5 felony. The charge stems from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of July 8, 1983, at the Revenue-Virginius Mine south of Ouray. That night, Bob Larson, Pat Garcia, and Joe Mora, employed at the mine, were returning to the mine to clean out a culvert when they spotted a Jeep parked by the snowshed. Believing someone to be underground in the mine, they called the Ouray County Sheriff’s Department, and Undersheriff Jerry Wakefield and Deputy Pete Peterson responded. Meanwhile, a train of mucking cars came out of the mine that contained 11 cases of dynamite and 9 boxes of flash caps. The dynamite and flash caps were found in the cars by the officers, and Hash and Hartley were found on the premises.

30 YEARS AGO

September 2, 1993 – For 16 years the holiday season was a time of silent misery for Barbara Peterson of Ouray. While most were celebrating the joyous time surrounded by their families; with her husband Pete’s support, Barbara quietly mourned the loss of a daughter she had never met. In 1969 Barbara was 21 years old, unsure where her life was heading, unwed and pregnant. Knowing she was not ready to be a mother, and with the unborn child’s father showing no interest in the baby, Barbara made the hardest decision a mother can make. She left to Oklahoma to have the baby and put it up for adoption. “Last Mother’s Day I took it upon myself to make the first move. I sent her Mother’s Day flowers,” Barbara said. “After that, the phone rang one day and a voice said ‘Barbara, this is Caroline, your daughter.’ That was the first time I ever heard her voice and my feet haven’t touched the ground since.” Last July Barbara finally made the trek back to Oklahoma to see Caroline. “I went with my other two daughters, Nikki and Jenni, to see her. They were a little shocked when they first found out about it all. But things have a way of working themselves out and they all get along great now,” said Barbara.

20 YEARS AGO

September 5, 2003 – Several residents and business owners near the Livery Stable have complained about the flies and smell of manure coming from the horse-riding business. City Council took action Monday to step up enforcement of the city code, which requires “areas in which animals are kept shall be completely cleaned of manure and feces…at least twice a month.” Bob and Karen Risch, who live northwest of the Livery Stable, asked the council to modify its code and increase the required frequency for cleanings. Bob Risch said the stable has not been cleaned during August. The Linscotts, who were not at the meeting, have operated the Livery Stable for 35 years, said Jeralyn Linscott. “We’ve always tried to clean it over the years. When it rains it’s almost impossible. You have to wait until it dries.” The Risches said they do not open their south or southeast windows during July, due to flies and odor. The couple said they have also avoided eating dinner on their deck for six weeks.

10 YEARS AGO

September 5, 2013 – A former Ouray resident was killed while trying to protect children during an armed robbery at a Denny’s restaurant in Houston last week.

Greig Placette, 64, was shot twice during the robbery, once in the chest and once in the shoulder. According to reports, he was attempting to shield children at a neighboring table in the restaurant when the shooting occurred. Placette, of Katy, Texas, was president and owner of Houston General Trading Company (HGTC) and was an active member of the business and political community in Houston. He lived in Ouray for several years in the 1980s and 1990s, running his business, American Material Resources. Ouray resident and acquaintance Gary Miller said he had worked for Placette when he first moved to Silverton in the early 1980s.

News
News briefs
Bear Creek Trail to close temporarily, Ridgway chooses contractors for projects
By Erin 
May 8, 2025
Bear Creek Trail to close temporarily The Bear Creek National Recreation Trail south of Ouray will close for reconstruction projects during the week until October, according to the U.S. Forest Service...
this is a test
Ridgway: Flagship home for Earth insignia?
Main, News...
Ridgway: Flagship home for Earth insignia?
Resident asks town to be first to fly planet's flag
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 7, 2025
It’s been planted in Antarctica, held up in the Himalayas and waved by conservationist Jane Goodall at a rally in New York City. But Ridgway could be the world's first place to formally adopt and fly ...
this is a test
Wolves arrive in Ouray County
Main, News...
Wolves arrive in Ouray County
Nonprofit aims to help ranchers as activity detected in NW corner
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 7, 2025
For the first time since their release in Colorado nearly 18 months ago, gray wolves have crossed into Ouray County. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife map tracing wolf movement between March 25 and April ...
this is a test
News
Log Hill district seeks to expand services
Fairway Pines Sanitation District could convert to metro district
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
May 7, 2025
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct an error. The previous version inaccurately indicated Paul Stashick is currently on the board of directors for the Fairway Pines Estates Property ...
this is a test
News
Board postpones guest ranch decision
Commissioners cite concerns about Gold Mountain Ranch, will consider permit again in August
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 7, 2025
A special-use permit application for a proposed guest ranch will come back to Ouray County commissioners in late August after county leaders asked the applicant to address more than 15 concerns. After...
this is a test
News
Ouray nixes Denver firm’s lower bid
Councilors will look to local businesses to design, build, install three signs
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
May 7, 2025
A Denver graphic design firm really wants to finish what it started and complete the design for signs to be installed at two Ouray parks. The Ouray City Council, though, really isn’t interested. For t...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Small but mighty: Ridgway girls’ track and field secures first league title as independent program
Columns, Feature...
PREP ROUNDUP
Small but mighty: Ridgway girls’ track and field secures first league title as independent program
By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer 
May 7, 2025
In high school track and field, athletes are limited to competing in four events. It’s a way to ensure competitive balance, limit wear and tear on athletes and — in the case of the Ridgway girls' team...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dim the lights, help the birds
May 7, 2025
Dear Editor: Late April and early May is peak time for spring bird migration in Colorado! According to a May 3 article in the Denver Post, bird populations are in a steady decline. Many reports and re...
this is a test
Scenic Last Dollar Road connects to rugged past
Columns, Feature...
Scenic Last Dollar Road connects to rugged past
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
May 7, 2025
It is time to begin planning our explorations into the San Juan Mountains again. Be certain to include another trek on Last Dollar Road, connecting Ridgway and Telluride over a 21-mile, unpaved, breat...
this is a test
Jeanette ‘Nettie’ Marie Pope
Obituaries
Jeanette ‘Nettie’ Marie Pope
May 7, 2025
Aug. 7, 1945-April 17, 2025 Jeanette “Nettie” Marie Pope passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2025, with her family by her side. Nettie was born August 7, 1945 in Montrose, Colorado, to Dale an...
this is a test
CALENDAR & EVENTS
Calendar & Events, Feature...
May 8-21, 2025
CALENDAR & EVENTS
May 7, 2025
THURSDAY MAY 8 IGNITE TALKS: Doors at 6:30 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m. at the Sherbino Theater, 604 Clinton St. in Ridgway. Entry by donation. PUBLIC LANDS TALK: 5 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library,...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy